What is the Trapezius Muscle?

The trapezius muscle is one of the larger muscles found in the human body and when tightened is one of the major stiff neck causes.

Because a function of the "trap" muscle is to move the neck in several directions, the degree to which it is tight or loose affects your neck's flexibility.

Undoubtedly, you have experienced sore, stiff neck muscles when driving or sitting at a computer for long periods of time, or even when under stress. This is a result of the upper fibers of your trapezius neck muscle at work.

The upper fibers are one of three areas of the muscle which extends from the base of the neck down the back and then travels beneath the shoulder blade, and out towards the shoulder and arm area. The other areas consist of the middle fibers and the lower fibers.

Together these areas act in several ways:

• to keep the head and neck in position
• to allow the neck to rotate and bend to the side
• to move the shoulder blade towards the spine
• to rotate the shoulder blade so that the upper arm faces upwards
• to move the shoulder blade up and down
• to assist in breathing

You may also be interested in:
Back Muscles, Self Neck Massage, Upper Back Exercises

Although you may experience a very stiff neck, along with considerable muscle strain, the neck and shoulders usually responds well to light exercise and massage, including self neck massage.

Particularly important since the neck area is also extremely vulnerable to stress related stiffness.

Pain here can easily transfer to other areas of your body. Consider reducing the stress to these muscles by...

• ensuring that your work environment is ergonomically correct,
• reducing stress and tension level,
• becoming less sedentary by increasing your exercise,
• maintaining proper posture while standing AND sitting
• and, using proper shoulder and neck support pillows while resting.

Keeping your trapezius muscle pain free and flexible will help you keep your entire back in a better condition!